Master thesis opportunity on biodiversity conservation in Finnish protected areas

 Master thesis opportunity on biodiversity conservation in Finnish protected areas
A master thesis opportunity in conservation biology is available at the University of Turku (Finland)
Protected areas are the main instrument used to protect biodiversity. However, they are subject to different threats
and their designation is often not enough to guarantee effective conservation. In particular, Finnish protected areas
suffer from silviculture, agriculture, climate change and more. Management actions can counteract these threats
and actively improve the habitat of species. Implemented management actions can differ between areas, depending
on which habitat or species they target and which threats they aim to counteract. With this project we aim to better
understand the management actions implemented in Finnish protected areas, in order to inform future
management planning.
Research questions:
• What type of management measures are implemented for biodiversity conservation in Finland?
• Have they been effective in counteracting biodiversity loss?
• Which threats to biodiversity do they counteract? Which threats are left unaddressed?
You will work with a database compiled by Metsähällitus on all management actions carried out in Finland since
1990s. The impact of these measures on biodiversity will be tested by using species-specific monitoring data.
Different types of statistical analysis, including generalized linear mixed models, will be used. You are also welcome
to develop your own study questions!
With this thesis you will dive deep into the different conservation issues in Finland, and you will also acquire
technical and analytical skills such as working with large datasets and spatial analysis.
The project should start the latest in March 2026 and not last more than 6 months.
For more information contact:
Giorgio Zavattoni, giorgio.zavattoni@utu.fi, University of Turku
Leonie Jonas, leonie.jonas@utu.fi, University of Turku